Get to Know 2024 People's Choice Awards Host Simu Liu

In 2021, Simu Liu took the entertainment world by storm as the first Asian lead in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, starring in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. For five years before that, he acted in the Canadian sitcom Kim's Convenience. And then, of course, there’s his turn as Ryan Gosling’s frenemy Ken in 2023’s mega-hit Barbie. The 34-year-old actor has worked tirelessly to get to the point he's now at in his career, and his seemingly meteoric rise is an inspiration to many. But of course, behind every meteoric rise is a whole lot of hard work.

Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at who this talented actor is on—and off—the screen.

Related: How to Stream the 'Barbie' Movie 

Who Is Simu Liu?

Simu Liu is a Canadian actor and stuntman who was born in Harbin, China. He moved to Canada at age 5 to join his parents, who were aerospace engineers. Growing up, Liu was pushed hard academically by his parents and originally pursued an accounting career before transitioning to acting.

What is Simu Liu known for?

Liu's breakout role was as Shang-Chi in the 2021 Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This made him the first Asian lead in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. He's been widely praised for his performance and charisma.

"I was doing a lot of these major things that I had grown up watching on TV and dreaming about the opportunity to be able to do one day, which was incredible," he shared with People. "But in the two years since [making Shang-Chi], I think the major difference is that I've kind of really settled into it. I think there's a learning curve to Hollywood. I'm not saying I'm a veteran by any means, but I think it's definitely been something that I've been more comfortable with over time."

More recently, Liu has gained acclaim for his role as one of the plastic Kens alongside Ryan Gosling and Ncuti Gatwa in Greta Gerwig's 2023 hit movie Barbie. Liu plays a fun, satirical version of a stereotypical "beach bro" Ken doll.

What has Simu Liu been in besides Barbie?

Before his big-screen success, Liu was best known for his leading role as Jung Kim in the popular CBC sitcom Kim's Convenience from 2016 to 2021. He starred in all five seasons of the award-winning show, which followed a Korean-Canadian family as they ran their convenience store in Toronto.

Other notable TV roles for Liu include a recurring part in the NBC series Taken in (2016-2017) and a starring role in the crime drama Blood and Water (2015-2016), for which he received Canadian Screen Award and ACTRA Award nominations.

Liu first gained experience as a stunt performer, appearing early in his career in movies like Pacific Rim and TV shows like Nikita and Heroes Reborn.

Liu shows no signs of slowing down after his breakout success. He is set to star in an untitled espionage techno-thriller series that has been ordered straight-to-series at Peacock. The announcement was made at the 2023 Television Critics Association winter press tour. The series hails from writer Thomas Brandon (Legacies) with James Wan (Saw, Aquaman) attached as an executive producer.

In the show, described as "five minutes in the future," Liu will play first-generation American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale, who realizes his brain has been hacked, giving perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his agency and the unknown hackers, Hale must maintain a 24/7 performance to flush out who is responsible and prove his allegiance.

Away from acting, Liu authored the 2022 memoir We Were Dreamers, which recounts his immigrant experience and journey to becoming an actor.

How much was Simu Liu paid for Barbie?

Details on Liu's salary for playing one of the Kens in Barbie have not been publicly disclosed. We do know, however, that the movie made more than a billion dollars at the global box office.

What is Simu Liu's net worth?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Simu Liu currently has an estimated net worth of $4 million. He has made his money mainly through movie and TV work.

Related: 'Barbie' Really Boosted Margot Robbie's Net Worth

How tall is Simu Liu?

According to IMDB, Simu Liu is 5'11."

Is Simu Liu married?

He's not, but he's been dating marketing directed Allison Hsu for more than a year (they were first linked in 2022, according to People). Prior to that, he was in a relationship with actress Jade Bender.

"I think everyone knows the feeling of being in a situation where they're not fully happy, and then all of a sudden for that to change ... it's such a breath of relief," he told People of his current relationship. "I feel challenged and loved and cared for, and I feel championed."

How old is Simu Liu?

Simu Liu was born on April 19, 1989 and is is 34 years old.

Do Simu Liu and Ryan Gosling get along?

Despite some apparent awkwardness on a Barbie red carpet in July 2023, in which Gosling was thought to be seen brushing off his costar, Liu confirmed he and his fellow Ken actor (and Canadian) get along great. Liu posted on Instagram, "I'd beach off with this Kenadian again in a heartbeat. He is the best human in every way, especially when he jokes around with us on the carpet and on set, infecting all of us with his Kenergy."

So it seems there's no actual beef between the two leading Kens! Liu praised Gosling and said he would happily work with his cast-mate again.

Next, Will There Be a 'Barbie' Movie Sequel? Here's Everything We Know About 'Barbie 2'